In the heart of Islington, The Regent is the kind of neighbourhood pub that everyone wishes was their local. It’s effortlessly charming with vintage lighting, rustic wooden tables and a warm, easy-going buzz that carries from weekday lunches to weekend nights out. But while the bar is stacked with craft ales, small-batch spirits and an enviable wine list, it’s the stone-baked pizzas that steal the show.
Served every day, The Regent’s pizzas are the real deal: thin, crisp bases, fresh toppings and that irresistible, slightly smoky finish from the oven. Classicists will love the Margherita with its scattering of fresh basil, while the Goat’s Cheese pizza with red onion, olives and pine nuts strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. There’s a fragrant Pesto option, layered with artichoke and sun-blushed tomatoes, and for something saltier and indulgent, the Parma Ham pizza topped with rocket, pine nuts and cherry tomatoes is a local favourite.
The rest of the menu has a comforting Italian tilt, with starters like mushroom arancini filled with peas and taleggio, or Parma ham bruschetta topped with mozzarella. For mains, the chicken Milanese with roast potatoes and rocket is an easy win, while the meatball linguine and puttanesca bring all the flavour and none of the fuss. Leave room for dessert, though, because the Nutella pizza with strawberries is the kind of thing you promise to share but definitely won’t.
Drinks are just as well considered. There’s a rotating line-up of craft beers, a thoughtful wine list, and a cocktail menu made for evenings that stretch on. Get a load of The Cherry Fizz bourbon with amaretto and cherry soda - it's a total standout, while the Raspberry Collins and Mango Sunset bring a splash of summer to even the greyest London night.